Prisoner 'touched girl inappropriately'
A jailed drug kingpin's relationship with a teenage girl is under police investigation after he was caught acting inappropriately with her during a visit on a north Queensland prison farm.
Queensland Corrective Services confirmed staff immediately ended the visit between the male prisoner and the 16-year-old girl on January 6 at the Townsville Correctional Centre.
QCS Deputy Commissioner Peter Bottomley said the prisoner, aged in his 50s, had 'inappropriately touched' the girl.
"Upon the staff observing this, they took immediate action to terminate the visit and a duty manager was notified. The prisoner was returned to the secure facility very soon after..." he said.
Mr Bottomley dismissed staff claims that the prisoner had sex with the girl who was known to the prisoner.
QCS notified police in the Queensland Corrective Services Investigation Unit whose investigation revealed the prisoner may have formed a relationship with the girl prior to her turning 16.
"On this basis a referral was also made to the (police) Townsville Child Protection Investigation Unit," Mr Bottomley said.
He said the CSIU would not criminally charge the prisoner in relation to the January 6 visit as she had consented.
Townsville detectives are continuing their investigations.
Mr Bottomley said the prisoner had been previously warned on the expected standards of conduct during visits.
He also dismissed staff claims jail management had ignored their concerns about the prisoner and his relationship with the girl because the prisoner’s family had business ties with Townsville jail.
"I can confirm that there is not, and has not been, any business relationship between the prisoner, his family, and the TCC," he said, "This incident was at all times managed in a timely, thorough and appropriate manner by centre staff and management."
